How To Be Sure You Are Doing Enough

When compared to credentialed teachers or homeschooling “Supermoms,” some dedicated homeschoolers feel inadequate and wonder if they are doing enough for their child. Insecurities are not productive to dwell upon though. Instead, consistently evaluate your children’s progress. Parents are the best authorities to teach their own children because they know them the best. There’s no need to fear about your qualifications, so stay positive and keep on track.

1. Are your kids engaged?

Every student and every parent has those days that they just don’t feel like being in school. The majority of the time though your kids should be excited about their time to learn. When students are bored or unmotivated, it could be a sign that they are not being challenged enough by the curriculum. It could also mean that they are not receiving enough schoolwork if they seem bored in their free time. A full day of learning should leave a child eager for some playtime.

2. Are they improving?

Set goals for your kids in homeschool. At public schools there are due dates and tests that mark how a child is progressing and tracking through a lesson plan. There should be similar goals and milestones at home to make sure that a child is learning and getting a good education. If there is an improvement in grades and skill levels over time, then you are doing enough. It may help to compare against students the same age too, but it is more important to be sure of individual progress.

3. Is your child involved in outside activities?

You want to be forming a well-rounded student. There are plays and sports in school that encourage students to pursue hobbies other than schoolwork. This is an important factor at home as well. Watching TV and playing video games are fine in moderation, but it could be a warning sign if that is the only activity your child is interested in. You should encourage your child to keep learning outside of the classroom and participate in creative hobbies instead.

4. Is the curriculum advanced enough?

There are books and charts that suggest what an average student in a particular grade should know. However, homeschool families have more flexibility about the curriculum they use, and homeschooled students often have special needs. These averages do not necessarily need to be met. You know how much your child can handle, so rely on your own discretion. You can easily see if your child is getting through coursework too quickly or if they seem bored with the material. You can always ask them what they think about the material they are learning. Curriculum should keep them engaged, but not overly frustrated. If the curriculum is too difficult, then it can discourage students as well. Find that perfect balance by relying on your instincts.

As a parent of a homeschooled child, don’t be discouraged by questioning whether you are doing enough. You know your child the best and can provide them with the best education. Just be sure to always evaluate your student’s progress to make sure you are on track and progressing.

Homeschooling is a challenge, but it can have outstanding rewards for yourself. At the same time, it can be reat for your child. Just be sure to take it very seriously and try to make an effort to separate your roll as an everyday parent with your roll as a home school teacher.


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